A long-time fan of Julianne Moore, I looked forward to seeing the Oscar-winning actress take on the role of a fifty-something divorcée who is still hopeful about finding love.
Ms. Moore does not disappoint.
She delivers an understated but effective performance as Gloria Bell, an insurance agent who struggles with work difficulties and an empty nest. A warm-hearted person, she acts as a listening post for her friends and colleagues and tries to connect with her adult children (Michael Cera and Cassi Thomson). She tends to give more than she receives.
Gloria loves to dance at her favorite bar, a ‘70s throwback disco. It took several minutes for me to realize that the story takes place in the present. Many of the scenes involve Gloria driving alone in her car, singing to hits from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. She appears nostalgic for a kinder, gentler era where she was happier and less alone.
One evening, Gloria catches the eye of Arnold, a recently divorced ex-military man who owns and operates a popular paintball range. They connect and begin a passionate romance. They even share a dinner with her children and her ex-husband (Brad Garrett). An uncomfortable situation for Arnold who suddenly takes flight.
As the storyline progresses, we learn that Arnold has boatloads of baggage. Hounded by his adult daughters, Arnold alternates between stalking Gloria and erecting emotional walls.
While Gloria carries her baggage with more grace, she is affected by her daughter’s unexpected pregnancy and move to Norway, her son’s estrangement from his wife, a loud upstairs neighbor with anger management issues, and a potentially troublesome health issue. On a more humorous note, a hairless cat mysteriously visits Gloria’s apartment on a regular basis.
Gloria and Arnold escape to Las Vegas for a weekend, hoping to rekindle their relationship. A frantic call from Arnold’s daughters puts an end to that fantasy. A series of plot twists—one especially bizarre—follows.
I had mixed feelings throughout the film. I enjoyed watching Ms. Moore embrace the nuances of Gloria Bell, and I have a particular fondness for the music, especially Laura Branigan’s “Gloria.” But there doesn’t appear to be much personal growth on Gloria’s part.
Part entertainment, part cautionary tale.
In 1977, at the age of twenty-five, Dr. Pennie set off for a two-year posting at a Catholic Mission on a remote island in the South Pacific. He spent his days dealing with tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases. Evenings, he would read, write letters and update his diary.
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